Lexus

A Lexus for Monaco's Royal Wedding

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events

While attention around the world is focused on the impending marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, further south in Europe they're preparing for another royal wedding: that of Prince Albert II of Monaco to Miss Charlese Wittstock. And they've just announced the vehicle that will be used in the July 2 wedding.

This Lexus LS600h has been specially outfitted with the royal flag, "MC 01" license plate and flashing lights. As a hybrid, it will be able to drive at a parade pace on pure electric mode, and has elevated Lexus to the status of Official Supplier to the principality in the process.

Tags: grimaldi, lexus, lexus ls 600h, lexus ls600h, ls 600h, ls600h, monaco, prince albert, prince albert ii, royal wedding

2011 Geneva Motor Show: The Supercars

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Geographically located in between the supercar capitals of Europe, Switzerland is where the world's automakers come to showcase the latest array of mouth-watering, bank-balance-tempting exotic sports cars. And this year's Geneva Motor Show didn't disappoint in the least.

In between all those luxury sedans, upscale sport-utes and premium hatchbacks were a blinding assortment of six-figure supercars seemingly capable of bending the very laws of physics. Standing out from the crowd were brand-new offerings from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani, new takes on old favorites from Maserati, Aston Martin and Jaguar, concept cars from Alfa Romeo, BMW and Wiesmann and more.

We went to Geneva to check them out with our own eyes (and lens) – follow the jump to see what we found, and click the images to view the full galleries from our sister-site Autoblog.

Tags: 2011 geneva motor show, alfa, alfa 4c, alfa romeo, alfa romeo 4c, alfa romeo 4c concept, aston, aston martin, aston martin virage, bmw, bmw vision connecteddrive, carrozzeria touring superleggera, ferrari, ferrari ff, ferrari four, ff, geneva, geneva 2011, geneva motor show, gumpert tornante, huayra, jaguar, jaguar xkr-s, koenigsegg, koenigsegg agera, koenigsegg agera r, lamborghini, lamborghini aventador, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, lexus, lexus lfa, lexus LFA Nürburgring Package, maserati, maserati grancabrio, maserati grancabrio sport, pagani, pagani huayra, touring, wiesmann, wiesmann spyder

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Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

If you've been looking to pick up a Lexus IS convertible but have been noticing too many of them on the street already, this could be your answer: the IS 350 C F Sport Special Edition. It packs the larger engine from the IS 350, and upgrades with special 19-inch wheels and Bilstein suspension dropped by an inch.

The two-tone black and red leather seats are heated and cooled and come standard, as does the Navigation package. Only 175 examples will be offered at $55,120 apiece in either Starfire Pearl or Obsidian Black.

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Tags: is, Lexus, lexus is, Lexus IS 350C, Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition

Lexus Unveils Performance Models in Tokyo

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Lexus Unveils Performance Models in Tokyo

Lexus was once known for making cushy, if not particularly sporty luxury automobiles. But these days the premium Japanese auto marque is getting serious about transforming itself into a performance brand to rival the best from Europe.

To that end, Lexus rolled in to the Tokyo Auto Salon with a number of performance-oriented vehicles. Headlining the line-up is the IS F Club Circuit Sports Racer (pictured above), which upgrades on the already aggressive IS F sports sedan with carbon fiber body panels, race-tuned suspension and other performance accessories.

Lexus also took the occasion to show off the CT 200h F-Sport package, as well as the racing version of the LFA supercar that competed in last year's Nürburgring 24-hour race.

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Tags: lexus, lexus ct 200h, lexus ct 200h f-sport, lexus is f, lexus is f club sport, lexus lfa, tokyo auto salon

Celebrities to Race the Lexus CT 200h at the Australian Grand Prix

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports

Celebrities to Race the Lexus CT 200h at the Australian Grand Prix

The Celebrity Challenge was once a fixture of the Australian Grand Prix weekend, pitting local and international stars against each other in a field of identical cars around the Albert Park circuit. But while the past couple of years have been without the event, this year marks its return.

When the F1 race weekend takes place late in March, a field of 27 celebrities will race against each other in the Lexus CT 200h. No word yet on who will be racing this year, but the event not only marks the first time Lexus has participated in the race, as well as the hybrid hatchback's debut in the Australian market, but also – according to Lexus – makes this "the first hybrid-only race staged globally".

Gallery: Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge

Tags: australia, australian grand prix, celebrity challenge, ct 200h, Lexus, Lexus CT 200h, Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge

Lexus Displays at Harrods for the Holidays

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Luxury Shopping

If you're a luxury shopper in London, Harrods is your destination for all manner of fashion, accessories, household items and more. Even luxury hybrids, thanks to a new display from Lexus.

Taking cues from Aston Martin, which displayed the Cygnet (another luxed-up Toyota) in the department store's window last month, Lexus has taken a four-window ground-level storefront display. The first window features the new CT 200h luxury hybrid, the second the RX 450h luxury hybrid crossover, the third highlights the Mark Levinson sound systems found in their cars, and the fourth is a branded lounge space.

Shoppers stopping by can check out the new cars, arrange a test drive or even place their order right there in the store. If you don't live in England, though, you can have a look in our high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Lexus Windows at Harrods

Tags: ct 200h, harrods, lexus, lexus ct 200h, lexus rx 450h, rx 450h

Lexus Shows Six Hybrid Custom Concepts at SEMA Show

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Lexus is showing six customized hybrids at the 2010 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) show this week in Las Vegas, including a CT 200h F Sport Concept based on the recently introduce 2011 CT 200h. The LFA super-luxury sports car will also be on display at the show.

The CT 200h F Sport Concept has F Sport adjustable suspension and shocks, an F Sport Big Brake kit and 18-inch alloy F Sport wheels with Pirelli P Zero Nero wheels.

Lexus got the help of 0-60 magazine to create a GS 450h with Tein USA Super Racing coil-overs, a GReddy Performance custom exhaust system, Brembo brakes, Rays Engineering mold-formed forged racing wheels and a five-piece body kit from Custom Carbon.

VIP Auto Salon is showing off a customized version of the HS 250h featuring a Wald aerodynamic appearance package, Huper Optik ceramic-based window film as well as a custom interior. VIP also created the 600h L in PPG's Hue of "Macadamia" paint, a custom air suspension, Brembo high-performance front brakes, 21-inch Wald Majora machined black polish wheels and a Performance Tube Systems axle back system.

Fox Marketing's car spun off the LS 600h L features Glacier Green and Satin Black exterior paint to set off satin black Lexus logos. Add-ons include front bumper and fenders, side skirts, the rear bumper, dual foglamps, light bar, roof wing and rear deck. A set of Rotiform concave BLQ wheels have a 20-inch "candy copper" finish.

Paul Tolson of EST is showing a "VIP styled" RX 450H with a wide-body conversion kit and 21-inch Leon Hardiritt Vertu wheels.

Gallery: Lexus Custom Hybrids

Tags: lexus, Lexus Hybrids, Lexus SEMA, SEMA

Lexus Introduces CT 200h F Sport at Sydney Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Among the hybrids on the market, the Lexus CT 200h stands out for two reasons: for one, it's more luxurious than most hybrids. For another, it's sportier. To heighten the latter, Lexus has announced a new F Sport package for the hybrid hatchbach, which it has just unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

The F Sport package upgrades with a revised aero package (new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and honeycomb grille), bigger alloys and an interior with a fresh dashboard and door panel treatment, an even thicker steering wheel, new pedals and tinted windows. A retuned suspension promises sportier handling, and an optional Flame Blue color joins the catalog.

Gallery: Lexus CT200h F-Sport

Tags: australia, australian international motor show, f sport, lexus, lexus ct 200h, lexus ct 200h f sport, lexus ct200h, lexus ct200h f sport, lexus f sport, sydney, sydney auto show, sydney motor show

Lexus Has Big Plans to Replace the Aging SC430

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

We tend to avoid rumors and conjecture here at Luxist, preferring to bring you solid news of new luxury items to behold. But some reports are just too tantalizing to pass up. Like this latest one about a new top-of-the-line luxury convertible from Lexus.

The model in question would be brought in, according to reports, to replacing the aging SC430, a model introduced back in 2001 and growing a little long in the tooth. To succeed the lack-luster SC with its 288-horsepower V8 will reportedly be a 500-horsepower, all-wheel drive hybrid super-coupe dubbed the LC600h. Based on the next-generation LS flagship sedan, the two-door model is expected to retain the best-of-both-worlds convertible hard-top, but isn't anticipated to arrive until after the sedan comes in 2014, so don't go calling your dealership with a trade-in inquiry just yet.

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Tags: convertible, lc 600h, lc600h, lexus, lexus lc, lexus lc 600h, lexus lc600h, lexus sc, lexus sc 430, lexus sc430, sc 430

Bespoke Luggage for the Lexus LFA by Tumi

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Luxury Cars & Autos

Buying an exotic supercar isn't a practical decision. But if you want to use yours more frequently than the odd Sunday drive, you're going to encounter a rather cramped, and often irregularly-sized trunk. Call it the byproduct of an afterthought. That's why they make bespoke luggage to fit the baggage compartments on such exotica.

Companies like Ferrari and Porsche may be well accustomed to offering such custom luggage, but for Lexus, this is new territory. So they've turned to established luggage-makers Tumi to develop a set specifically for the LF-A.

The set of hard-shell suitcases is made of aluminum and carbon fiber. Each has a specific purpose, and carries the Vehicle Identification Number from the car its made to accompany for that added bit of exclusivity.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Luggage by Tumi

Tags: baggage, lexus, lexus lf-a, lexus lfa, lf-a, lfa, luggage, tumi

Lexux LFA Nürburgring Package Confirmed, Priced at $445k

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

A few months ago we brought you initial reports of an even more hardcore, performance oriented version of the LFA supercar. Now Lexus has confirmed the package with official details, availability and pricing information.

Called the Nürburgring Package, named after the famous German race track where the LFA race car cut its teeth, the extra-special supercar benefits from a 10-horsepower boost, quicker transmission shift times and a revised aerodynamics package.

Only 50 examples will be offered at a $70,000 premium over the standard LFA's $375,000 list price. But at such limited quantities, good luck getting your hands on one.

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Tags: lexus, lexus lfa, lexus lfa Nürburgring, lexus LFA Nürburgring Package, lexus lfa nurburgring, lexus lfa nurburgring edition, Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package, lexus lfa nurburgring track edition, Nürburgring, Nurburgring

ASI Lexus LX570 Invader

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Over the years since its formation, Lexus has gained a reputation for rather staid, conservative luxury automobiles. The arrival of such models as the IS-F sport sedan and the LFA supercar have done a lot to shake up that image, and now ASI wants to help out.

The Japanese tuning house has taken the Toyota luxury division's biggest sport-utility vehicle and given it the fast treatment. By modifying the 5.7-liter V8 engine, ASI has boosted output from 380 horsepower (adequate) to around 600 (insane). The result is a 0-60 run in less than five seconds, and the requisite suspension, aerodynamic and appearance upgrades to match. They call it the Invader. We call it suitably un-Lexus-like... in a good way.

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Tags: asi, asi lexus lx 570, invader, lexus, lexus lx, lexus lx 570, Lexus LX Series

Lexus Halts Sales of GX460 Due to Reported Tip-Over Risk

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Toyota and its premium division Lexus sure are learning fast about addressing serious safety concerns regarding its vehicles, in North America especially. And good thing they are, because the problems don't seem to be stopping.

The latest stemmed from a Consumer Reports report that placed the Lexus GX460 sport-ute on the dreaded "Do Not Buy" list. The findings indicated that the luxo-ute was prone to tipping over under certain conditions, posing a serious "safety risk".

As a result of the report, Toyota has directed its dealers to halt sales of the SUV until a remedy can be found, indicating that its engineers are coordinating with CR to pinpoint the exact problem so that it can be remedied. The troubled Japanese auto giant is also offering existing owners of the GX a loaner vehicle in the interim.

Tags: consumer reports, gx 460, lexus, lexus gx, lexus gx 460, safety

Lexus, Infiniti Not Currently Planning BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Competitors

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

BMW 535i Gran Turismo – Click above for high-res image gallery

Depending on who you ask, BMW is either at the forefront of an exciting new automotive genre with the 5 Series Gran Turismo, or is inventing market segments with no real purpose other than to grab several thousand new sales from those who simply must be seen in the latest trendy niche. In other words, the 5 Series GT is nothing if not polarizing.

For now, it seems that you can put such luxury brands Lexus and Infiniti in the latter camp, though fellow upmarket Japanese automaker Acura is headed down a similar path as its German counterpart with the new ZDX – at least with regard to the X6. Speaking to Auto Observer at the New York Auto Show, Ben Poore, Nissan North America's vice president of the Infiniti business unit, said, "What [we are] seeing is a much stronger preference (among consumers) for a trunk."

Granted, some may see little difference between such vehicles as the 5 Series GT and Infiniti's own EX and FX crossovers, but Poore suggests the machines aren't direct competitors. "I'd rather be on (either) the crossover styling or the trunk styling," he said. Dave Nordstrom, Lexus' vice president of marketing, concurs, saying, "We don't have any plans for it right now. We have not seen the demand from our customers – but we continue to look at it."

Gallery: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

[Source: Auto Observer]

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Tags: Acura, Acura ZDX, AcuraZdx, bmw, BMW 5 series, bmw 5 series gran turismo, bmw 5 series gt, BMW 5-series, BMW 5-Series GT, BMW 5-Series Touring, Bmw5-series, Bmw5-seriesGt, Bmw5-seriesTouring, Bmw5Series, Bmw5SeriesGranTurismo, Bmw5SeriesGt, Infiniti, infiniti fx, InfinitiFx, lexus

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Track Edition

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

With its six-figure price-tag and otherworldly performance, the Lexus LFA charts new territory for the Japanese luxury brand. But as it turns out, Lexus isn't stopping there, as reports from the Land of the Rising Sun bring us the hard-core, track-focused LFA Nurburgring edition.

Named after the famous German road course on which the racing prototypes that gave birth to the LFA first competed, the LFA Nurburgring track edition reportedly benefits from carbon fiber spoilers front and rear, new wheels and tires, a stiffer suspension and a 10-horsepower boost. Only four colors will be offered, and production is expected to come out of the 500-car allotment originally earmarked by Lexus. Stay tuned for more details.

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Tags: lexus, lexus lfa, lexus lfa nurburgring, lexus lfa nurburgring edition, lexus lfa nurburgring track edition, lexus lfa track edition, lfa, nurburgring

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